PLYMOUTH, N.H.––One of the busiest and most exciting days of the year for Plymouth State University and surrounding communities arrived Sunday, August 30, with nearly 1,700 students and their families arriving on campus for the annual move-in day.

“It is a time of excitement and optimism for everyone, a wonderful start to the academic year,” said PSU President Sara Jayne Steen. “I want to thank all who helped to make this a warm and welcoming process.”

Traditionally held on the Sunday before the start of classes, PSU Move-In allows students to quickly and efficiently fill the University’s eight residence halls with the help of staff, students and families. PSU’s athletic teams, including the entire football team, help incoming students park, unload and move their belongings.

The activity wasn’t limited to campus. It involved the communities of Holderness and Plymouth, with downtown businesses embracing the students’ return. Many Plymouth businesses were open, with green and white balloons to welcome PSU students, and several had expanded their hours to accommodate the crowds. Patty Buhrman, manager of the Lucky Dog Tavern and Grille in Plymouth, said Move-In is a huge day for local businesses.

“Move-In is a day for local businesses to shine and put their best foot forward,” Buhrman said. “It is the single busiest day of the year for us, and we look forward to it.”

PSU has nearly 4,300 undergraduate students, 2,500 of whom live on campus. By Sunday evening, more than 80 percent of the students had moved in to their on-campus residences. The remainder will arrive on Monday and Tuesday before classes start Wednesday, Sept. 2.